MotoGP: Yamaha Prepares for Phillip Island

Felice Monteleone – FMPhotoSport MotoGP News

After Jorge Lorenzo’s victory in Motegi, Movistar Yamaha MotoGP immediately moves on to the next stage on the MotoGP calendar, the Australian Grand Prix at the beautiful Phillip Island circuit.

Valentino Rossi looks forward to defending his second place in the championship from his teammate Jorge Lorenzo and Honda rival Dani Pedrosa. The Doctor’s experience will certainly come in handy during this weekend’s battle. Rossi is one of the most successful riders at the Phillip Island circuit. Starting in 2001 he had a very impressive five year winning streak, followed by four more consecutive podium finishes. In the premier class the nine-time World Champion has won at the Australian track from 2001 until 2005, claimed second place in 2008 and 2009 and scored five third places in 2000, 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2013.

After a strong victory at Motegi, teammate Lorenzo is also prepared to take on his competition. Phillip Island is the Spaniard’s favourite circuit. He scored two second places in the premier class in 2010 and 2012 before claiming victory last year under bizarre circumstances. Following safety concerns the race was reduced to 19 laps and included a mandatory bike change at the ten-lap mark. This year none of such measurements are expected to be necessary and Lorenzo is ready to have some fun while fighting for second place in the championship.

Lorenzo holds the record for the fastest lap at the Phillip Island circuit since last year, when he clocked a 1’27.899 around the 4.448 meter track.

Phillip Island was constructed in 1956 and has hosted motorcycle Grand Prix until an extensive renovation took place in 1968. The Australian circuit made a comeback in 1989 and has been a favourite on the MotoGP calendar for both riders and fans ever since, thanks to its fast and fluid corners and the stunning ocean scenery.

46 – Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi – Photo by FeliceMonteleone @FMPhotoSport

“We have a second place contest between me, Jorge and Pedrosa and I’m worried because Jorge is so fast. We have to give the maximum. I love Phillip Island and Sepang but three races in a row is always very difficult and a good start is very important. The podium of Japan was another positive result, especially because I have done well throughout the race and was very close to Marquez and Jorge. We held a very high pace and my bike was working very well. I really like the Australian GP and I want to ride a good race here, partly because most of my team is Australian. I want to get back on the podium and try to win again. We are working well, I like the circuit, and the Yamaha is going strong, so I think we can do it. I’m in a good shape, so it will be a fun battle.”

99 – Jorge Lorenzo

Jorge Lorenzo – Photo by FeliceMonteleone @FMPhotoSport

“It was a great feeling to win in Motegi once again. Winning two races in a row after a very disappointing start of the season was unbelievable, not only for me but also for all the guys from Yamaha who worked really hard. Now I look forward to racing in Phillip Island, another amazing place to ride. Australia is always special and the layout is always perfect for having fun. To me the joy of riding there with the M1 is difficult to explain but I love the long and fast corners, especially the last one before going towards the straight to the finish. Hopefully we can have another great weekend and fight for the victory once again, which is so important regarding the second place in the championship.”

Massimo Meregalli – Yamaha Moviestar Team Manager

“After the victory in Motegi we immediately go to Phillip Island. We are in a good shape for Vale and Jorge to fight for second place in the championship. Both our riders really like this track so we look forward to getting started on Friday. We will work hard this weekend, because this track’s fast and sweeping corners make it important to have a good balance with the bike. Fortunately this circuit’s layout suits our bike well. We are right next to the seaside and it can get very windy at certain places on the track, but we are optimistic that we can book some good results.”